Have you ever thought about adding a Stebel Air Horn to your bike? Today I did.

[9secondsflat]

I had the horn sitting for a few months and figured today was as good as day as any to put it on my Victory XC...

TURN YOUR SPEAKERS UP!!!1
STEBEL AIR HORN VICTORY CROSS COUNTRY - YouTube

[Kneescrubber]

No doubt about it; loud horns save lives.  


And to answer your question, NO. I prefer the fist thru the window approach.

[Croak]

It's also fun shattering the window with Stebel sonics.  And easier on the knuckles.  

[jesse v]

I've been using a Stebel for 2 years; both my last bike and my current bike.  Best horn there is  

[jamesgino]

Did you really say "During the summer months?"

Weak

[siclmn]

I put one on a few years ago. The thing is that I haven't really needed to use the horn since.  OK maybe once, but by the time I found the button, the trouble had passed.

[AzItLies]

Yeah the Stebel is a great horn. Very loud. Have had one on a VFR, an ST1300.

They can be a bear to install on some bikes though. Not easy on an FJR at all. Have to take the horn apart, connect with a hose, etc.

These horns by PIAA are awesome too

There's a slightly different variation also available, supposedly a decibel or two quieter. There are 2 of these together, and ea one only weighs about 7 ounces. Compared to the 2.5 lbs for the stebel.

Oh and the other thing about the PIAA's, no need for a relay.

[county]

I put one on a few years ago. The thing is that I haven't really needed to use the horn since.  OK maybe once, but by the time I found the button, the trouble had passed.

Yes, the time spent using a horn can be used for an evasive maneuver.

[cognosticator]

I've been using a Stebel for 2 years; both my last bike and my current bike.  Best horn there is  

+1 same for me

[cognosticator]

Yes, the time spent using a horn can be used for an evasive maneuver.

I use it in conjunction with an evasive maneuver, just to make sure the asshat knows I am there.  It is possible to multitask while riding

[county]

I use it in conjunction with an evasive maneuver, just to make sure the asshat knows I am there.  It is possible to multitask while riding

Unfortunately I cannot...

[black hills]

in the last 31 years of riding on the street I don't recall ever using the horn

[mnxs54]

The PO of my bike installed one. It's really loud but I just never seem to need a horn on a bike. My philosophy has always been they can't hit you if you're pulling away from them.

[AzItLies]

I've had to use it. Bonehead to my right starting moving into me, had his window down, moved back pretty quickly

What about when the person in front of you isn't paying attention to the now green light?

I ride pretty aggressively in traffic. I'm either in front of the pack or behind, usually front. Can find myself in someones blind spot easily, and can take time to get out of it, as there are so often "rolling roadblocks".

Really think it's critical to have a loud horn on a bike. Even though it doesn't get used much. That time you really need it could turn out to be big.

[siclmn]

I also worry that if and when I need to use the stebel that the person who is getting in my way will overreact and hit the brakes in fear and cause a worse problem then if I had just twitched the steering and gotten out of their way.

[Croak]

As a preventative measure, it's not all that great, but it's a wonderful punitive tool.

In terms of avoidance, I find mine is more useful for non-human threats.  Gets a frozen deer moving, for instance, or makes a chasing dog rethink the matter.

[ConPilot1]

Stebel is on my short list.

[Giaka]

Put one on my wife's Ninja 250. The OEM horn on that thing was a joke.

[tthompsr]

Yep, Had one on my last two Bikes and use it often! I also found it works great for Deer, I've hit the horn in the past and watched them go the other way fast!

[coho]

in the last 31 years of riding on the street I don't recall ever using the horn

If it's the OEM horn it wouldn't help anyway.  

I've thought about Stebel, but I've been happy enough with the dual Fiamms on the RT that I never got around to getting an air horn.  I did put the Bosch horn from the R1100R on the TW when I installed its single Fiamm.  Made a world of difference, it's about three times bigger and correspondingly louder as well.

I also worry that if and when I need to use the stebel that the person who is getting in my way will overreact and hit the brakes in fear and cause a worse problem then if I had just twitched the steering and gotten out of their way.

Oregon US101 last summer: Inside lane goin' south, guy in an Impreza right next to me (if his window had been down I could have reached out and poked him in the ear) starts a signal-free headcheck-free lane change.
!!!!!!!1!!!!!!HOOOOORRRRRNNNNN!!!!!1!!!!!!
He still didn't turn his head, but he did panic and overcorrect up onto the sidewalk.  Can't have been good for his suspension or alignment, that curb was pretty high.  Glad there was nobody on the sidewalk, but more glad there was no Subaru on me.

[sportrider]

     

[cbsnbiker]

It's a tool, but shouldn't be counted on.

Several years ago, a Lincoln started to change lanes into me. I blasted my horn and swerved into the breakdown lane. The driver completed the maneuver without twitching. I looked over, and saw that the driver and passenger were quite elderly.

I bet they never heard the horn. I bet they're deaf.

[jesse v]

Oregon US101 last summer: Inside lane goin' south, guy in an Impreza right next to me (if his window had been down I could have reached out and poked him in the ear) starts a signal-free headcheck-free lane change.
!!!!!!!1!!!!!!HOOOOORRRRRNNNNN!!!!!1!!!!!!
He still didn't turn his head, but he did panic and overcorrect up onto the sidewalk.  Can't have been good for his suspension or alignment, that curb was pretty high.  Glad there was nobody on the sidewalk, but more glad there was no Subaru on me.

 

[M.Brane]

 My philosophy has always been they can't hit you if you're pulling away from them.

 Best answer so far....

 I avoid situations where a horn is required ahead of time by using the right grip.

[black hills]

 Best answer so far....

 I avoid situations where a horn is required ahead of time by using the right grip.

 

[county]

So, your riding is as single-dimensional and laser-focused as your posting. Good to know.  

Well, you could say that, or you could say that I am old...

[county]

As a preventative measure, it's not all that great, but it's a wonderful punitive tool.
.

Yeah, I think it could be fun...

[Jim M.]

I might as well not have a horn. Because of BMW's stupid assed location of the horn button, I end up giving them "angry left turn signal".  

[AzItLies]

I might as well not have a horn. Because of BMW's stupid assed location of the horn button, I end up giving them "angry left turn signal".  

hahahahah now that's funny

[siclmn]

It's so true.

[cbsnbiker]

I might as well not have a horn. Because of BMW's stupid assed location of the horn button, I end up giving them "angry left turn signal".  

 

That was my exact experience with my '94 BMW. But I like the horn location on my other Beemers much more.

[Giaka]

in the last 31 years of riding on the street I don't recall ever using the horn

You live in SD, is there anyone to honk at there?  
Posted on: 29-02-2012, 09:03:29

It's a tool, but shouldn't be counted on.

County or the horn?

[black hills]

You live in SD, is there anyone to honk at there?  
Posted on: 29-02-2012, 09:03:29

that might have something to do with it

[HappyRiding]

I bought my WeeStrom used and didn't know it had a Stebel until I encountered a dog in the road. I just about needed the number of a reputable leather cleaner.

[CLAY]

I've been using a Stebel for 2 years; both my last bike and my current bike.  Best horn there is  

+1, but for two years on my current bike.  They are sweet and can even get the attention of a cell-phone talking soccer mom, driving her back into her lane.  

[Baz]

I might as well not have a horn. Because of BMW's stupid assed location of the horn button, I end up giving them "angry left turn signal".  

 

[ConPilot1]

until I encountered a dog in the road.

Was it Festive Dog making sport in roadway? Good thing you avoided entaglement in spokes.  

[stealth1]

I bought a BMW back in the 70's that had a air horn installed by the previous owner.
It had 2 long trumpet shaped horns.
One day a guy in the center lane started to change into the left lane on me. I hit the horn and it startled him so badly he almost crashed into a car in the right lane.
I could have just hit the brakes and let him pull over. It would have probably been safer.

[tomek]

You only need a horn if your bike still has OEM exhaust .

I highly recommend loud enough pipe , very efficient safety device .  

[cbsnbiker]

You only need a horn if your bike still has OEM exhaust .

I highly recommend loud enough pipe , very efficient safety device .  

Interestingly enough, the Hurt Report indicated that motorcycles with loud pipes were overrepresented in motorcycle crash statistics.

[ConPilot1]

Bahh, horns.

I wanna see more pics of this Dog. This looks like Beautiful Dog.  

[tomek]

Interestingly enough, the Hurt Report indicated that motorcycles with loud pipes were overrepresented in motorcycle crash statistics.

Source ? There is nothing in Hurt Report about loud pipes .

Loud pipes and horns work on the same principle - noise . Does your bike go silent when you hit the horn ?

Even cops know that , loud pipes increase your safety .

http://motorcycles.about.com/b/2008/06/16/oakland-motorcycle-cops-stir-controversy-with-loud-pipes.htm  

[cbsnbiker]

Source ? There is nothing in Hurt Report about loud pipes .

Page 421.

Loud pipes and horns work on the same principle - noise . Does your bike go silent when you hit the horn ?

Even cops know that , loud pipes increase your safety .

http://motorcycles.about.com/b/2008/06/16/oakland-motorcycle-cops-stir-controversy-with-loud-pipes.htm  

It's a common fallacy that "loud pipes save lives."

Every motorcycle is equipped with a noise-making device: the horn. It's there for when needed, but don't rely on it. I gave an example of why earlier in this thread.

One thing that they do accomplish: "Loud Pipes Lose Rights."

[tomek]

 link to page 421 or it does not exist , you know the rules .

Typical loud pipe crowd member is not very skilled , usually locks basic skills , aka squids , or pirates .

Combination of experienced rider and loud enough  pipes gets you a combo as safe as possible .

Seriously , my first post was sarcastic and baiting .  I`m always amazed that orange vest crowd denies any safety benefits of louder then stock exhaust against basic logic .

You are in the dense fast moving traffic in the cage , you hear the bike  , you look in your mirrors and you can`t see him anywhere   but you know he is there . If you decide to change the line you gonna be super-mega careful now , right ?    

[cbsnbiker]

 link to page 421 or it does not exist , you know the rules .

Some people are so lazy.  

http://www.scribd.com/doc/49856656/Hurt-Report-NHTSA-1981-study-motorcyle-accident-causes

Typical loud pipe crowd member is not very skilled , usually locks basic skills , aka squids , or pirates .

Combination of experienced rider and loud enough  pipes gets you a combo as safe as possible .

Seriously , my first post was sarcastic and baiting .  I`m always amazed that orange vest crowd denies any safety benefits of louder then stock exhaust against basic logic .

You are in the dense fast moving traffic in the cage , you hear the bike  , you look in your mirrors and you can`t see him anywhere   but you know he is there . If you decide to change the line you gonna be super-mega careful now , right ?    

"Basic logic" does not necessarily lead to factual conclusions. Perhaps the upcoming naturalistic motorcycle study, currently getting underway, will provide answers for this.

Here is another possible version of that scenario. You're in the dense fast moving traffic in the cage. You hear the bike. While swiveling your head to look for it, you drift out of your lane into the rider or some other vehicle -- this made even more likely if startled by blastingly-loud straight pipes.

[Windblown]

I can't recall the last time I used the horn on my bikes or my cars. It's been a bunch of years. Not that I have anything against horns, I've seen them put to good use on narrow twisty mountain roads in other countries.

When I'm trying to avoid an imminent threat I find my time better served working out an escape path and the last thing I want is the object of my ire to react to my horn and become unpredictable. Tends to make anticipating their next move much more difficult.  

[Baz]

I can't recall the last time I used the horn on my bikes or my cars. It's been a bunch of years. Not that I have anything against horns, I've seen them put to good use on narrow twisty mountain roads in other countries.

When I'm trying to avoid an imminent threat I find my time better served working out an escape path and the last thing I want is the object of my ire to react to my horn and become unpredictable. Tends to make anticipating their next move much more difficult.  

 

[AzItLies]

I can't recall the last time I used the horn on my bikes or my cars. It's been a bunch of years. Not that I have anything against horns, I've seen them put to good use on narrow twisty mountain roads in other countries.

When I'm trying to avoid an imminent threat I find my time better served working out an escape path and the last thing I want is the object of my ire to react to my horn and become unpredictable. Tends to make anticipating their next move much more difficult.  

time? what time? the fraction of a second it takes to press the horn button? As was said earlier, you can't do 2 things at once?

A (Louder) Horn is just another tool in the tool box. As is constantly scanning, practicing evasive maneuvers, looking ahead etc etc etc.

It's not an either or situation, you're simply taking advantage of all the tools available to help you... Honestly, it seems stupid to not be able to recognize this...

[Windblown]

time? what time? the fraction of a second it takes to press the horn button? As was said earlier, you can't do 2 things at once?

A (Louder) Horn is just another tool in the tool box. As is constantly scanning, practicing evasive maneuvers, looking ahead etc etc etc.

It's not an either or situation, you're simply taking advantage of all the tools available to help you... Honestly, it seems stupid to not be able to recognize this...

Nope. I can only do one thing at a time so I prefer using that time doing something besides thinking about the horn. But that's just me.  Feel free to beep-beep away.  

[Papa Lazarou]

I find that repeatedly and frantically stabbing the starter button by mistake works nearly as well as a horn.

[M.Brane]

 I guess if I rode on multilane highways in areas where you can't lane split a horn would be a handy tool, but here in CA it doesn't see much use. Can't remember that last time I hit the button due to an actual hazard to tell you the truth.

[AzItLies]

Nope. I can only do one thing at a time so I prefer using that time doing something besides thinking about the horn. But that's just me.  Feel free to beep-beep away.  

fair enough, yes, I will beep-beep away but let's look at this:

I find that repeatedly and frantically stabbing the starter button by mistake works nearly as well as a horn.

Papa is a funny guy but, he makes a very interesting point. Many of us have done the same thing he jokes about. That's why we have to practice, so that it will become instinctual... to use the left thumb  

and this:

 I guess if I rode on multilane highways in areas where you can't lane split a horn would be a handy tool, but here in CA it doesn't see much use. Can't remember that last time I hit the button due to an actual hazard to tell you the truth.

I'm sorry to inform you... you've fallen into my MSF Instructor trap!!

One thing I always ask... "when's the last time you had to emergency brake in your car or truck?"

Many people, if not all, don't remember the exact time, but they know they've had to do it. I can recall specific instances, some many years ago. But the instances, you don't forget them.

You say you don't remember the last time you needed a horn. But you've used one before haven't you? We all have. Maybe someone starting swerving into your lane and you had to "wake them up!", etc etc etc.

I think using your horn, instinctively, just as being able to emergency brake or emergency swerve, are things we should practice quite regularly. Hopefully we don't need to use them. But then again, we may need to tomorrow. That's the definition of emergency, it's not predictable.

And practicing will make it something we don't have to think about. Practicing it enough makes it an instinct. In the case of using the horn you can then do it at the same time as emergency swerving. No thought involved, no time wasted.

Don't become complacent. Just because we didn't have to emergency brake (or swerve) today, doesn't mean we won't have to tomorrow.

[tomek]

Here is another possible version of that scenario. You're in the dense fast moving traffic in the cage. You hear the bike. While swiveling your head to look for it, you drift out of your lane into the rider or some other vehicle -- this made even more likely if startled by blastingly-loud straight pipes.

Yea , but the same scenario can happen if the guy on the bike decides to use his horn/his vest is really bright and causes momentary blindness/headlight modulator/etc   .

BTW , I don`t drift out of my lane .

Also , straight pipes are out of the question , they are obnoxious , it does not matter how many lives they potentially save .
 I`m talking about aftermarket pipe with functioning baffle . IMHO they do increase your safety .

[Mydlyfkryzis]

Yea , but the same scenario can happen if the guy on the bike decides to use his horn/his vest is really bright and causes momentary blindness/headlight modulator/etc   .

BTW , I don`t drift out of my lane .

Also , straight pipes are out of the question , they are obnoxious , it does not matter how many lives they potentially save .
 I`m talking about aftermarket pipe with functioning baffle . IMHO they do increase your safety .

From Hurt Report:

The modified exhaust system was typical of many accident-involved
motorcycles, and also typical of many motorcycles observed during exposure data collection.
The modified exhaust is overrepresented in these data, but
not with high significance. To be sure, the number of custom exhaust systems made for motorcycles during recent years has increased.Hence, the exposur edata collected some long time after accident data are likely to show more exhaust modifications than the time of the accident occurrence.

I wouldn't let facts get in the way of your opinion though...

But Loud Pipes are Loud Pipes....nothing else. Not safer, and may be unsafer...

[Windblown]

From Hurt Report:

I wouldn't let facts get in the way of your opinion though...

But Loud Pipes are Loud Pipes....nothing else. Not safer, and may be unsafer...

I'm not a loud bike fan generally AND I'm a fan of the Hurt data. However... The issue with this type of data collection is that unquantifiable factors exist that can't be easily addressed.  

For example: It's possible that a higher percentage of poorly trained riders prefer loud exhausts and that is why the accident data does not indicate a safety benefit for loud exhaust. Same for looking at accident statistics by motorcycle type. By accident statistics alone it would be obvious that sportbikes are more dangerous than any other bikes on the road. However the fact is sportbikes are the safest motorcycles on the road due to superior braking and handling.  The skewed results are due to the "human" factor.
 

Figures lie and liars figure is much more harsh than I intend but until the "human" element can be successfully calculated we shouldn't take figures that can't or don't take it into account too literally.

[M.Brane]

I'm sorry to inform you... you've fallen into my MSF Instructor trap!!

One thing I always ask... "when's the last time you had to emergency brake in your car or truck?"

Many people, if not all, don't remember the exact time, but they know they've had to do it. I can recall specific instances, some many years ago. But the instances, you don't forget them.

You say you don't remember the last time you needed a horn. But you've used one before haven't you? We all have. Maybe someone starting swerving into your lane and you had to "wake them up!", etc etc etc.

I think using your horn, instinctively, just as being able to emergency brake or emergency swerve, are things we should practice quite regularly. Hopefully we don't need to use them. But then again, we may need to tomorrow. That's the definition of emergency, it's not predictable.

And practicing will make it something we don't have to think about. Practicing it enough makes it an instinct. In the case of using the horn you can then do it at the same time as emergency swerving. No thought involved, no time wasted.

Don't become complacent. Just because we didn't have to emergency brake (or swerve) today, doesn't mean we won't have to tomorrow.

 Complacent? Never. Been on too many roads in too many different vehicles for too long to fall into that trap. The thing is that I don't allow myself to be put into situations where a horn is necessary in the first place. I practice swerving, and braking pretty much every time I ride. I prefer to use superior positioning strategy, and throttle to stay out of trouble. If you find yourself reaching for the horn button to me you've already failed at reading the situation at hand.

[ConPilot1]

Bahh, horns.

I wanna see more pics of this Dog. This looks like Beautiful Dog.  

I know somebody's gonna post more pics of Dog.

[AzItLies]

 Complacent? Never. Been on too many roads in too many different vehicles for too long to fall into that trap. The thing is that I don't allow myself to be put into situations where a horn is necessary in the first place. I practice swerving, and braking pretty much every time I ride. I prefer to use superior positioning strategy, and throttle to stay out of trouble. If you find yourself reaching for the horn button to me you've already failed at reading the situation at hand.

Well you're obviously someone who believes they can completely control everything going on around them. good luck with that!

[ConPilot1]

Well you're obviously someone who believes they can completely control everything going on around them. good luck with that!

Well I'm glad I'm not the only one who's been told that.

+1 for you.  

[JNUNZMAN]

In my 10 years of riding I don't think that I've ever used my horn other than pulling up at someone's house and blowing it to let him know I was out front.
Anytime I think that I could've actually used the horn I couldn't find the button quick enough and the situation was over with!!
I can perform any evasive maneuver much quicker than finding that damn horn button.

[cbsnbiker]

Yea , but the same scenario can happen if the guy on the bike decides to use his horn/his vest is really bright and causes momentary blindness/headlight modulator/etc   .

BTW , I don`t drift out of my lane .

My message may not have been clear. The first person is the car driver.

Also , straight pipes are out of the question , they are obnoxious , it does not matter how many lives they potentially save .
 I`m talking about aftermarket pipe with functioning baffle . IMHO they do increase your safety .

That is your opinion. It is not supported by research. I'll be interested to see if upcoming studies will shed any light on this.

Well you're obviously someone who believes they can completely control everything going on around them. good luck with that!

 

[stealth1]

Bahh, horns.

I wanna see more pics of this Dog. This looks like Beautiful Dog.  

[cbsnbiker]

 

[M.Brane]

Well you're obviously someone who believes they can completely control everything going on around them. good luck with that!

 Nobody can control the actions of others, but I can control my own actions. I am also completely responsible for the consequences of such actions. I know that's a foreign concept to many people, and the main reason why horns exist.

 BTW there is no such thing as luck.

[AzItLies]

 Nobody can control the actions of others, but I can control my own actions. I am also completely responsible for the consequences of such actions. I know that's a foreign concept to many people, and the main reason why horns exist.

BTW there is no such thing as luck.

So... let's see... you first start riding a bike and you blow a corner and go into the other lane. No one is coming and you don't get taken out... not luck?

You're on an airplane that crashes, everyone dies but you... not luck?

You've been riding for years, and never practice emergency swerving, but fortunately you haven't had to use that skill... not luck?

Let me ask you this one; you're going around a serious corner, it's sharp, not a big sweeper but something more like Deals Gap. You're half way round and realize someone else is coming the other way, but they are in your lane and heading straight for you...

Which way do you swerve to avoid them? (assuming you don't target fixate and run straight into them)...

Do you go right? hoping they "wake up" and go back in their lane? (yeah... yer gonna want a loud horn to help here), or do you swerve left? thinking they are out of control and are unable to "correct" their mistake?

You make the right choice and you still don't think yer ass is lucky? No, I mean really... how old are you?

[Windblown]

Azitlies, I'll give you the benefit of doubt and assume you seem to feel slighted in some way over this issue and that's the reason you're lashing out at those who prefer to rely on their own actions versus trying to change the behavior or someone elses with a horn.  But seriously, WTF?


BTW, in regards to "luck" some would call what you described good fortune, not luck.  It's just semantics.  I don't know if you were just being deliberately obtuse but it was obvious to me that the other poster was alluding to the idea that one should not count on luck when it comes to staying alive. Something you obviously agree about, yes?

If there is one thing I've learned in life it's that there is more than one way to skin a cat (Q, Connie). No one here suggested you stop using your horn. Relax. LOL

[coho]

Does the dog have an air horn?
How about ABS?

[AzItLies]

Does the dog have an air horn?
How about ABS?

I don't think abs is helping these poochies...

[swimmer]

Why does the motorcycle in the video have the ignition switch on the side of the engine.?

[cbsnbiker]

Why does the motorcycle in the video have the ignition switch on the side of the engine.?

Because that's where some manufacturers put it. I assume it's supposed to look cool.

[cbsnbiker]

I don't think abs is helping these poochies...

I love that photo.    

[ConPilot1]

I love that photo.    

I don't. Those poor dogs are being dragged by the neck. WTF is wrong with people?  
Asshole owner.

[cbsnbiker]

I don't. Those poor dogs are being dragged by the neck. WTF is wrong with people?  
Asshole owner.

I understand your point. I assumed it was staged for the photo. Maybe not.

It's still a good demonstration of doggie ABS.  

[hovmaven]

Perhaps they see a shark?  

[AzItLies]

Perhaps they see a shark?  

Maybe the shark has a horn? and it was loud enough they could hear it?  

[Papa Lazarou]

you is teh funny.

[AzItLies]

you is teh funny.

I find that repeatedly and frantically stabbing the starter button by mistake works nearly as well as a horn.

Hey yer the one that started it!

[turbo.mp]

I'm not a loud bike fan generally AND I'm a fan of the Hurt data. However... The issue with this type of data collection is that unquantifiable factors exist that can't be easily addressed.  

For example: It's possible that a higher percentage of poorly trained riders prefer loud exhausts and that is why the accident data does not indicate a safety benefit for loud exhaust. Same for looking at accident statistics by motorcycle type. By accident statistics alone it would be obvious that sportbikes are more dangerous than any other bikes on the road. However the fact is sportbikes are the safest motorcycles on the road due to superior braking and handling.  The skewed results are due to the "human" factor.
 

Figures lie and liars figure is much more harsh than I intend but until the "human" element can be successfully calculated we shouldn't take figures that can't or don't take it into account too literally.

Another consideration, which I'm surprised hasn't been brought up about loud pipes vs the Hurt Report:
Statistically, one of the largest dangers to a motorcyclist are left-turners in intersections.  Well, statistically, "dangerous" would have to do with probability of injury and the relative frequency for which they occur.  Obviously, loud pipes will have no real effect in a situation like that, yet the comment about over representation of loud pipes in the Hurt Report accounts for ALL types of accidents.

So no, loud pipes will not have a measurable impact in preventing the types of accidents that are statistically the biggest threat, but I don't care... a threat is a threat, and if something can save my life then I'm all for it.  Though it's not statistically likely, a zoo-escaped elephant can run out in front of you while you're cruising down the street; not the peak of my worries, but a valid threat if it were to happen.

Having logged a considerable amount of miles on bikes both with and without aftermarket exhausts, I CAN, with great certainty, tell you there is a noticeable difference in people that check their blind spots when I'm on a louder bike.  Having to spend an unfortunate amount of time riding in heavy traffic, I'm put in situations where I wouldn't normally like to be, with cars riding along side me.  I went directly from a CBR with a louder-than-stock aftermarket exhaust to a VFR with stock exhaust, and I was blown away at the difference.  In the 10k miles running the CBR with that exhaust, I don't recall having to ever use the horn.  However, on each of the three rides I've made on the VFR in the last couple weeks (totally no more than 150 mi) I've used the horn 5-6 times.
I've seen first hand the effect that it has on people when they can actually hear you; they actually look for you before changing lanes.

As a disclaimer, I'm extremely defensive and avoid blind spots and riding along side other vehicles.  However, the latest instance of having to use my horn was last week when I was sitting at a red light in the left turn lane.  Light turned green and as I started to go the car to my right (in the straight lane) started moving over on me, wanting to turn.  I was blown away because my torso was directly out from his driver side window.  As I laid on my horn he looked over and I was able to look him in the eyes.  I really couldn't have been in a better position given the circumstances, but he was oblivious to my presence because he couldn't hear me.

Needless to say, a slightly louder exhaust is definitely on my list for the VFR... I never fully realized how big of a difference it actually makes.

[coho]

I really couldn't have been in a better position given the circumstances, but he was oblivious to my presence because he couldn't hear me be bothered to turn his empty fcuking head and look where his stupid oblivious ass was going.

FTFY

[turbo.mp]

FTFY

Thanks for catching me, I forget I'm not on just a Utah forum... your edit is a normal assumption for people in this state.

Utah drivers ed 101:  stick head up ass, grab your cell phone, your breakfast, makeup, and 8 Mormon children all under age 10, then see how quickly you can get from point A to point B regardless of safety or other people.

[AzItLies]

FTFY

Yup, might as well tell the truth. No reason to sugar coat something like this...

[stealth1]

 Though it's not statistically likely, a zoo-escaped elephant can run out in front of you while you're cruising down the street; not the peak of my worries, but a valid threat if it were to happen.

That's why I always carry a mouse in my pocket.

[Windblown]

That's why I always carry a mouse in my pocket.

LOL

[cbsnbiker]

That's why I always carry a mouse in my pocket.

Anything to squeak by.